USTA Colorado honors Tennis Hall of Fame inductees, champions

Posted: ML Chavez

This year’s Colorado Hall of Fame Gala 2022 was held at The Cable Center and hosted by tennis radio host Andy Zodin and past Denver morning news anchor, Christine Chang Gillette.

Among the USTA Colorado’s award winners were 14 recipients who received the annual awards celebrating on and off-court accomplishments and service to the tennis community.

Zodin is Director of Tennis at Columbine Country Club in Denver, CO. President, USPTA Intermountain Division and s sports talk radio host on Mile High Sports Radio. Christine Chang Gillette is past weekend morning anchor for The Denver Channel-KMGH and is a book consultant and media trainer.

The Colorado Tennis community celebrates the induction of Luke and Clancy Shields, alongside Virginia Dunn Smith Kraut, and the many accomplishments of USTA Colorado’s Annual Award Winners. (entire list found here).

The Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame was established in 2000 to recognize Colorado’s rich tennis heritage. Brothers Luke and Clancy Shields (Grand Junction, CO) and Virginia Dunn Smith Kraut (Denver, CO) were all inducted Saturday, January 12 at the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala,

This year’s annual event was held at the The Cable Center, located adjacent to the University of Denver campus. This annual event supports the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (www.cytf.net) and their many youth programs supporting outreach and greater diversity in the sport.

Through the lifetime sport of tennis, the CYTF promotes the physical, emotional and social development of all youth to aspire to become active, productive and responsible citizens. The Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation is a fundraising arm of USTA Colorado.

Luke Shields and Clancy Shields were born and raised in Grand Junction, CO. Both enjoyed tremendous success on the junior circuit and in NCAA competition, and have gone on to become highly decorated collegiate coaches. Dozens of other awards were awarded for community service, volunteerism an contributions to tennis in Colorado.

For more information visit www.usta.com

: Lisa Schaefer, Mary Brennan, Taylor McKinley, Nikki Hola

: Kristy Harris, Kurt Desautels

: John Martinez, Vanessa Rodriguez

: Subaru is among the longest sponsors of the CO USTA

: The 2022 Tennis Hall of Fame honors the best in the state

: Sandra Clemons, Anna Reidmiller, Maureen Slattery, Gabe Levine

: Linda Till, Lisa Schaefer

: Scott Thompson, Rachel Morley, JD Goodwin

: Luke Shields, Tana Shields, Clancy Shields

: Troy Jackson, Brooker Kiere

: Jarret Sutphin, Kristy Jenkins

: Kristy Jenkins, Jarret Sutphin, Cindy Springsteen

: Craig and Leslie Davis

: Emily Chavez, Sonia Schwartz

: Bobbi and Terri Wong

: Kurt Desautels, Fritz Garger

: Greg Heartt, Heather Atkinson

: Denver Deputy Director of Recreation John Martinez with his staff

: Cindy MacMaster, Leslie Davis

: Jisele Boker, Lorena Cedeno, Lenae Barnhill, Koukkaii Barnhill

: Jisele Boker, Lorena Cedeno, Lenae Barnhill, Koukkaii Barnhill

: Monica Haller Bradley, John Suter

: Amy and PJ Travin

: Angela Finan, Susan Bolton

: Angela Finan, Sonia Schwartz, Susan Bolton

: Sonia Schwartz (center) with family

: More than 400 attended the Tennis Hall of Fame at The Cable Center

: CYTF’s Cindy McLemore shared how youth were served by the Foundation

: The USTA Colorado Hall of Fame and Gala honest the best of the state’s tennis players

: JJ Raterink is a member of Denver’s The Gala Team

: Auctioneer JJ Raterink helped raise tens of thousands of dollars

: Dozens of award winners from around the state were presented with trophies

: CYTF’s Cindy McLemore thanks guests for their generosity

: Bidding was fast and consistent

: Andy Zodin and Christine Chang Gillette served as co-emcees for the annual event

: Co Emcee Christine Chang Gillette presided over the award ceremony

: This year’s USTA Colorado Award winners listened patiently as awards were presented

: Andy Zodin presents an award to Anton Samuilau- Male Player of the Year

08 Feb

2020 Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala

Posted: ML Chavez

For tennis fans throughout Colorado the USTA Tennis Hall of Fame Gala is a must-attend fundraising dinner honoring the best, most talented and generous past and present members of Colorado’s tennis community. The event–benefiting the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (CYTF)– honors a Hall of Fame inductee and Colorado youth and adult players and organizations in several categories including sportsmanship, community service and competitive skills. In fact, Colorado USTA league players have sent many teams to the national competition and the Denver-based organization remains the nation’s 2nd largest division.

Andrew Sidel, Scott Thompson, JD Goodwin of Subaru of America

USTA Board President Angela Finan began the evening with a welcome and thanks to guests, sponsors and honorees before introducing the guest of honor and 2020 Hall of Fame inductee: Gigi Fernandez, one of the top doubles tennis players in U.S. history with a career spanning more than 25 years.

Fernandez thanked guests and acknowledged the hard work of Executive Director Fritz Garger, Associate Director Lisa Schaefer, and USTA staff & volunteers for successfully organizing the annual gala year after year. Later, Fernandez, CYTF Board President Cindy McLemore, and youth player Lyric Newsome assisted with the live auction led by Shelly St. John of the Auction Divas. After the award presentation, guests enjoyed live music by The Saddle Rockers. This HOF Gala sponsors this year were: Subaru, MidFirst Bank, LINE 3 and Sprouts Farmers Market.

Fernandez, who lived in Colorado in the 1990s, summarized her tennis career and urged guests to share their talents on behalf of others. Fernandez turned pro in 1983 to become Puerto Rico’s first female professional athlete, in any sport. She went on to win 17 U.S. Open championship titles and moved to Aspen in 1989. Later, she represented the U.S at the Olympics and won 2 Olympic Gold Medals in doubles with Mary Joe Fernandez (no relation) and 16 additional Grand Slam doubles titles. In 2000, she was honored as the Puerto Rican Athlete of the Century and in 2019 was inducted in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Her former Colorado coach, Randy Crawford, was inducted in 2019.

Tennis player Lyric is the daughter of Metheia and Quentin Newsome

The gala, held Saturday, February 8 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, benefits the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (CYTF), which was founded in 1961 by the USTA to develop the next generation of U.S. tennis players. The event recognizes Colorado’s high school state champions and USTA league teams that advanced to national championships. The Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame display is permanently housed on the first floor of Denver’s Gates Tennis Center in Cherry Creek and is open to the public during normal hours of operation.

The Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation offers financial assistance to organizations that reach youth across Colorado through tennis programming. Grants range between $100 and $1,000. To download an application for the CYTF scholarships due March 1, 2019 visit: http://www.colorado.usta.com/cta/resources/financial_assistance/program_grants/

Colorado 2020 Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Gigi Fernandez urged guests to contribute and share their skills with others.To view past HOF honorees visit the CYTF web site here: https://cytf.net/events/

For more info on Colorado USTA visit: www.colorado.usta.com

: LINE 3 was among sponsors of this year’s event

: Mala Alvey, Jill Rogers, Heather Hallman, Lindsay Windler

: Andrew Sidel, Scott Thompson, JD Goodwin of Subaru

: Apparel on display from LINE 3

: Hall of Fame inductee Gigi Fernandez talks to guests

: Glenmoor Country Club tennis director and tennis radio DJ Andrew Zodin with wife, Sarah

: CYTF Board President Cindy McLemore with Mala Alvey

: Quentin & Metheia with daughter Lyric

: Brittany and Adele Sobieski and Becky Hodous

: One of HOF sponsor Subaru’s bestselling vehicles

: Hall of Fame inductee Gigi Fernandez with guests

: Live Auctioneer Shelly St. John, with CYTF Associate Director Lisa Schaefer and Executive Director Fritz Garger

: Paula McClain, Carolyn Peters, Diana Bustillos

: Jamie Petersen, Carlene Petersen-Chrisman, Chris Brekke

: Tracy Naughe, Kerry Barker

: This year’s proud sponsors are: Subaru, LINE 3, Sprouts, MidFirst Bank

: Gary and Mary Stults

: Craig and Adriana Evans

: Christian Hawley, Cindy Springsteen, Taylor McKinley

: Laura Jones, Kim Williams

: Coach Laura Jones with her students: Morgan Schilling, Nathan Talva

: Steve and Kathy Swanson; Dan and Kadra Levin

: Suzette Riddle, Christi McCauley, Peggy Bernardis

: Linda Schley, Suzette Riddle, Christi McCauley, Peggy Bernardis

: Jodi Cooper, Heather McCoy

: The annual Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala recognizes the achievements and community service of individuals and organizations to the game of tennis

: The CYTF raises funds for youth to gain access to tennis for future generations of players

: Jeanie and her friends at Table 28

: USTA Colorado Board President Angela Finan recognizes sponsors

: USTA Colorado Board President thanks guests and honorees

: Hall of Fame inductee Gigi Fernandez shared some stories of her career

: This year’s CO Tennis Hall of Fame inductee–Gigi Fernandez–is considered among the best doubles players of all time

: Inductee Fernandez urged guests to contribute and share their skills with others

: CYTF Board President Cindy McLemore shared stories with guests

: Recognized for her tennis skills was Lyric Newsome

: Colorado tennis player Lyric Newsome was recognized at the event

: Lyric Newsome was on hand to distribute pink roses to top bidders during the live auction

: Live Auctioneer St. John and HOF Inductee Gigi Fernandez raised significant funds during the live auction

: Tennis player Lyric is the daughter of Metheia and Quention Newsome

: The CYTF was established in 1962 to support Colorado youth tennis

20 Jan

17th Annual Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala

Posted: Lisa Perry

When USTA Colorado honors its own, the event goes beyond an awards ceremony and live auction. It’s all about the tennis family sharing a great meal, along with stories of athleticism, integrity and generosity … and it concludes with a kick-up-your-heels party to cap off the evening. Anyone who still thinks tennis is an elitist sport should consider the guests at this year’s Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala, who represented the continuing growth of the game’s participants, spanning age, gender, ethnicity and physical ability. Throughout the event, guests and speakers expressed that in participating in tennis, they learn more than sports skill sets, but also acquire positive life skills. Game. Set. Match.

Hall of Fame inductees, Class of 2016 (l to r): Don Willsie, Dennis Ralston and Dave Benson

On Friday, Jan. 20, more than 400 tennis aficionados gathered at the Marriott Denver Tech Center to celebrate the induction of four luminaries into its Hall of Fame: Dave Benson, Mary Jane Metcalf Donnalley (whose posthumous award was accepted by her granddaughter Eryn), Dennis Ralston and Don Willsie. Others were honored for their feats on the court, from winning a national title to exhibiting sportsmanship and grace during competition. Off-the-court good deeds were singled out as well, from coaching underserved youth to promoting the game. Vicky Matarazzo received special recognition for her work coaching Special Olympics athletes.

USTA Colorado board member Angela Finan, with Lew Sowell

Andy Zodin and Christine Chang served as co-emcees for the awards program, and auctioneer Shelly St. John revved up the crowd during a live auction that included an opening and a closing weekend at the 2017 U.S. Open. Two high bidders were able to jump on the special opportunity. The evening ended with a lively after-party to the sounds of Saddle Rock.

Dollars raised at the annual gala benefit the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (a fundraising arm of USTA Colorado), which promotes the physical, emotional and social development of all youth to aspire to become active, productive and responsible citizens. The organization strives to put a tennis racket into the hands of any child who wants to learn and participate in the game. USTA Intermountain Colorado has been promoting the growth and development of tennis since 1955, and support of the CYTF enables USTA Colorado help create the next generation of tennis players in the state. The Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame display is permanently housed on the first floor of Gates Tennis Center in Cherry Creek, in Denver, and is open to the public during normal hours of operation for the center. For more information, and to read bios of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, please visit: http://www.colorado.usta.com.

: Colorado Athletic Club’s 18 & over women’s 4.5 team brought home the national title this year.

: Waiting in the wings for their onstage recognition

: Art Turnbill and Teri Smith

: Co-emcee Christine Gillette, former 7News anchor, current media coach and tennis aficionado.

: Co-emcee Andy Zodin, Mile High Sports host and director of tennis at Columbine Country Club

: Dennis Ralston

: Auctioneer Shelly St. John and Dennis Ralston

: A call for donations is answered quickly with a raised paddle.

: Rep’ing Lakewood Tennis Association

: “Team Aspillagator” family and friends

: Neil and Shannon

: USTA Colorado’s executive director Fritz Garger (standing) chats with a guest before dinner.

: Angelique Manley (left) and Kristen Hanson

: Guests are welcomed to the celebration.

: Hall of Fame inductee Dennis Ralston

: Tables are set for 400-plus guests.

: Cherry Creek High School team members and coaches

: USTA Colorado board member Angela Finan, with Lew Sowell

: Supporters of honoree Vilura Haas (sixth from right)

: Bo Thistle (left) and USTA Colorado board member Susan Bolton

: CYTF board members at the reception

: Bill Steirling and Barbara Bussell

: (l to r): Julian Hall, Michelle Arend and Charlotte Hall

: Members of the Washington Park Tennis Club

: Hall of Fame inductees, Class of 2016 (l to r): Don Willsie, Dennis Ralston and Dave Benson

: CYTF board members Mary Moses and Clint Vessels

: (l to r): Jane Shafroth, Bill Trubey and Ellen Berman

: Fairview girls coach and team members (l to r): Susan Stensrud, Ellie Savage, Sophie Pearson and Kylie Feliciano

: This group includes participants and family of Valor Christian High School’s 2016 State Sportsmanship Award for tennis.

: Nikki Hola (left) and Paula McClain

: Hall of Fame inductee Dennis Ralston (left), with the Wetzig family: Carol, Cayley, Casey and Carl

: (l to r): Greg and Kathy Anselino, Ron Klump and CYTF board president Cindy McLemore

: (l to r): Alex Gordon, Sam Angell, Dan Pierce and Nicholas Svichar

: Hall of Fame inductee Don Willsie (center) celebrates with family and friends.

: Family and friends of Hall of Fame inductee Don Willsie

: (l to r): Roald and Sheryl Flater, and David Schott

: 2007 Hall of Fame inductee Roald and Sheryl Flater

26 Jul

Porter-Billups Leadership Academy Fundraising Dinner

Posted: ML Chavez

Success and Significance. Two words that changed Chauncey Billups’ life as a youngster growing up in the Park Hill neighborhood and propelled him as a star basketball player at Denver’s Washington High School, as CU Boulder Buff and with a 17-year NBA career playing with several pro teams including the Denver Nuggets. The NBA All-Star thanked his coaches and family who inspired him to achieve success on and off the court.

More than 400 guests attended the annual Porter-Billups Leadership Academy (PBLA) fundraising dinner with the theme of “Education, Leadership and Transformation” at the Ritz-Carlton, Saturday, July 26.

Regis President Father John Fitzgibbons gave the invocation, which was followed with comments from advisory board member co-chairs Flossie O’Leary and Randy Holliday, who introduced coach Lonnie Porter and 1995 George Washington High School graduate Chauncey Billups, who joined the PBLA non-profit in 2006. Entertainment was provided by songstress Natalie Tatum and pianist Ronneka Cox.

Founded in 1996 by Regis basketball coach Lonnie Porter, the non-profit organization offers scholarships to support at-risk Denver Public School students. Coach Porter, founder and executive director; Staci Porter-Bentley, co-founder and director; and Billups, co-executive director, each greeted guests and and recognized top sponsors including The Tynan Family, Robert “Bob” Willis, Panorama Orthopedic and Spine Center, and some other 50+ sponsors.

Recognized as the winningest college basketball coach in Colorado history, Porter recognized student graduates for their hard work and encouraged guests to pay it forward and continue their support for struggling at-risk students who need mentors and guidance. He described the mission of the PBLA, a three-week summer academic program at Regis University serving students ranging from elementary and high school students.

Staci Porter-Bentley took the podium with her mentee DaVeion Jackson and their history of partnership and growth throughout the years. Later in the evening, several other PBLA students shared their stories of overcoming personal struggles and graduation from the program.

For more information visit www. porter-billups.org

: Annual Porter-Billups Leadership Academy Gala

: Chauncey Billups, Alan & Lisa Synn

: The PBLA attracted more than 400 guests

: PBLA programs are hosted by Regis University

: Randy Miller, Kathy Pierce, Linda Miller

: Guests at the PBLA receptoion

: Regis President Father Fitzgibbons and Sunny Porter

: Alma Vazquez, David Hernandez

: Event Planners Lisa & Randy Hamilton

: Myra Robinson, Kat Van Daele

: Pat & Phil Snyder, Deb Haviland

: Vicky Brown, Nemiah Wilson

: Beverly Anderson, Bobbie Knight

: Brian Ellertson, Lazette Ray, Ray Mondragon, Jill Corcoran, Laura Ramsey

: Brianna Smith and mom, Gretchen Smith

: Bruce Pickens, Wanda Harris, Alicia Harvey

: Yvette Cook, Glenn Carrington

: Angela Sidhu, son Lucas, and Mary Brozovich

: Lonnie and Sunny Porter

: Madeline Reynolds, Jackie O’Bryan

: Nikki and Dominick Scrivner, Laurie Hicks

: Dana and Colin Bresee

: Dawnell Connelly

: Deandre Frierson, DaVeion Jackson

: Donna Ogorek, Jim Bergman

: Ellen & John Barry

: Emma & Tom Dunrud

: Flossie O’Leary & Randy Holliday

: Emcee Susie Wargin

: Award Winners

: PCBA recognizes leaders

: Chauncey Billups flashes a smile

: Chauncey Billups tells his story and that of PBLA

: Regis Coach Lonnie Porter encourages guests and supporters to “pay it forward”

: Coach Lonnie Porter describes PBLA’s mission

: Vocalist Natalie Tatum entertains guests

: Singer Natalie Tatum acknowledges guests’ applause

: Staci Porter-Bentley describes successes at the Leadership Academy

: Staci Porter-Bentley and DaVeion Jackson

: DaVeion Jackson and Staci Porter-Bentley

24 Jan

Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame, 2013 Awards & Inductees

Posted: Jan McNutt

Tennis, anyone?

The 14th annual Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala was held on Friday, January 24, 2014. The four inductees: Nicole Leimbach, Rita Price, Gil Roberts and John Whistler were welcomed into the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame and USTA Colorado, where each was honored with a 2013 Annual Award. The dedicated tennis players had distinguished themselves through life-long dedication and contributions to the sport.

The gala evening was held at the Marriott Tech Center hotel, where 300 tennis enthusiasts and their families joined to raise funds for the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation. The popular program provides tennis opportunities to youngsters in need. Joining in the fun, the Auction Divas, Shelly St. John and her two sidekick divas, kept the momentum at an anxious pace. The three lovely ladies led the live auction with silly heads or tails games and coaxed higher and higher bids from the supporters for mountain tennis weekends and donated items such as a custom made fly fishing rod. The Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation Friday night was at least $22,000 closer to helping young tennis players enjoy the sport of tennis.

Tennis is big in Colorado – a whopping 85,000 known players in the state. The sport and state have always been like-minded. When the state was formed in 1876, the sport of tennis was right behind it. The USTA was formed in 1881, as a not-for-profit organization devoted to the development of the sport of tennis. It remains the voice of tennis and establishes and maintains rules of play and high standards of amateurism and good sportsmanship.

Emcee Andy Zodin charmed the tennis community with his Broncos’ enthusiasm and his acknowledged respect for the select group of tennis players who filed onto the stage. The honored group of 2013 award winners were chosen for their sport skill and tireless support of the tennis community’s goal, which is to promote the physical, emotional and social development of all youth. Tennis has been celebrated throughout the state for 100 years and remains one of the top competitive sports. The inductees and annual award recipients came from all parts of Colorado. Each was chosen for on-court talent, dedication and service benefiting the entire state of Colorado tennis community.